Bollards are small but rigid posts that safeguard spaces from vehicles and guide traffic. Bollards are built and installed to endure significant impacts from vehicles. Some Tampa property owners elect to have bollards installed to serve as visual barriers that ameliorate the flow of traffic. The installation of bollards is a fairly complicated process that requires the expertise of skilled Tampa asphalt and concrete experts. When properly installed, bollards serve as robust barriers as well as visible boundary markers that provide ample protection. Bollards also serve as a decorative element that adds to the aesthetic appeal of commercial spaces and landscaping.
The Use of Bollards Over Time
Bollards have been used for years for all sorts of different purposes. Bollards have served as boundary and road markings, hitching ties, mooring posts, and decorations. Bollards will be used far into the future as they are quite effective at organizing the flow of traffic, protecting property and people and improving the look of buildings.
Bollard Installation for Protection
Bollards are essential to protecting pedestrians, buildings, and landscaping on Tampa properties. These formidable barriers are constructed in a manner that allows them to endure violent collisions with large vehicles. If you own property in Tampa that has an entrance, a space for pedestrians to traverse or an area with exposed utilities, you need protective bollards. Opt for steel pipe bollards made of structural grade steel and they can be reinforced with concrete for additional protection.
Bollards as Visual Barriers
Bollards serve as distinct visual barriers that keep drivers moving along the right path and prevent vehicular access to spaces reserved for pedestrians, utilities, and other sensitive spaces. These visual barriers ultimately form sight lines that allow for optimal vehicle and pedestrian flow.
Bollards as Decorations
Bollards can have decorative colors added to them to enhance their visual appeal, as well as the aesthetics of surrounding buildings and landscaping. Bollards can also be built with unique designs that add to the property’s style. Some Tampa owners opt for decorative bollards to help their property fit in better with surrounding buildings and landscapes for a more uniform look.
The Many Different Bollard Types
Bollards with nuanced mounting systems can be added to your Tampa property. Such bollards can be collapsed, retracted or removed with ease. These bollards are perfect for spaces that have dynamic access needs or varying parking requirements. Light bollards feature lighting fixtures that enhance visibility in pedestrian spaces. They can even be equipped with solar energy panels to make the most efficient use of energy. Finally, bollards for bike parking allow for bicycle storage with the use of bike-locking handles.
The Bollard Installation Process
PLS’ skilled team has many years of bollard installation experience. Bollard installation starts with the precise marking of positions for placement. An auger is used to drill holes. The hole is wider than the bollard’s width as the additional room is necessary for rebar installation and reinforcement as well as the addition of a ground sleeve with concrete. Gravel is added the hole’s bottom to serve as drainage for the ground sleeve. Such drainage stops rain, mud, and moisture from building up within the ground sleeve. A rebar cage is added on top of the gravel for extra stability.
Fixed bollards will rest 36” above the ground for optimal protection. The hole is then filled with concrete and smoothed out with a level so it is even with the surrounding surface. Once the concrete is fully cured, the bollard is added.